08 Apr 2018 | 12:14 PM UTC
Nicaragua: Cases of chikungunya reported nationwide
Authorities confirm at least 17 cases of chikungunya nationwide in 2018 as of early April
Event
Health officials have confirmed at least 17 cases of chikungunya across Nicaragua in 2018, as of early April. Authorities are taking steps to eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds, and are urging residents to take precautions against mosquito bites.
Context
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne disease. Symptoms include high fever, joint and muscle pain, rash, headache, nausea, and fatigue. The virus is rarely fatal but lingering joint pain can last for several weeks, even months, after the initial recovery. No vaccine for the virus is currently available.
Advice
Individuals present in Nicaragua are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites (e.g. wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, sleeping in a screened-in or air conditioned room) and to eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds (small pockets of fresh water, such as rain water that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, flower pots, clogged gutters, etc.).
